Surf Beach, site of Friday's fatal shark attack, reopens

A statement issued by the base said that during the three-day closure period, which included nearby Wall and Minuteman beaches, base conservation law enforcement officers increased patrols of the beaches and that there were no observed or reported shark sightings.

In addition to existing signage identifying no lifeguard on duty and outlining beach rules, officials said they will post additional signs at the beaches reading, "Warning: recent shark attack -- swim, surf at your own risk."

Minuteman and Wall beaches, accessible only to base personnel, remain closed as part of an order halting all outdoor recreational activities in order to facilitate events related to Vandenberg's two-week operational-readiness and unit-compliance inspections, which began Sunday.

Ransom, a UC Santa Barbara student, was in the water with a friend about 100 yards offshore Friday morning when a shark bit his left leg off. His friend brought Ransom to shore, but his injuries were too severe and Ransom bled to death.